UK says it will make masks mandatory in shops following weeks of confusion

The British government has decided to require people to wear face coverings in shops, joining a long list of countries that have made masks mandatory under some circumstances in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

After weeks of prevarication and days of confused messaging, Prime Minister Boris Johnson's government said that masks will be required in stores starting July 24.

Mr Johnson's office said "growing evidence that wearing a face covering in an enclosed space helps protect individuals and those around them from coronavirus."

READ MORE: WHO chief slams leaders on 'mixed messages' on coronavirus

Those who flout the law can be fined up to $180 by the police under public health laws.

Many European nations, including Germany, Spain, Italy and Greece, already require masks to be worn in enclosed spaces, but Britain had only made masks obligatory on public transit.

Mr Johnson's government until now recommended - but did not require - mask-wearing in stores. The prime minister, who in the spring spent a week in the hospital being treated for COVID-19, was not seen in public in a mask until Friday, when he suggested that the government was considering "stricter" rules for mask use.

Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove suggested on Sunday that no government order was required, saying he trusted people to use "common sense."

The opposition Labour Party questioned on Monday why the new mask measure would not come into force for 11 days. Labour health spokesman Jonathan Ashworth said the government "has been slow and muddled again over face coverings."

The new requirement only applies to in England. Scotland already made masks mandatory in stores.

Scientific opinion has been divided on the value of face coverings, but a growing body of evidence suggests it brings some benefit in preventing the spread of the virus.

Australian's encouraged to wear a mask in public spaces

Victoria's deadly second wave of coronavirus has prompted a shift in public messaging around the use of face masks.

Masks have not yet been made compulsory, however Victoria Premier, Daniel Andrews, said everyone in the state should be wearing one, even if they aren't in a coronavirus hotspot.

"It is our request of you, it's not compulsory, we are simply asking that if you can wear a mask where you can't socially distance, that is exactly what we would like you to do," Mr Andrews said.

Mr Andrews said the Victorian Government currently has two million reusable masks and one million single-use masks on order for the state and warned the requirement to wear masks may last for months.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer Michael Kidd said face masks will not yet be mandated despite the surge in community transmission.

"We are encouraging people in the hot spot areas and the areas where community transmission is occurring to wear a mask, particularly in those areas where physical distancing may not be possible," Professor Kidd told Today.